Physician Assistant Salary in Salem, NH: $147,003 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physician assistant in Salem, NH earns a median $147,003/year (≈ $70.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Once you factor in Salem's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $137,002 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Physician assistants in Salem, New Hampshire can expect a robust earning potential, particularly when considering that the projected median salary for 2026 is $147,003. In this market, incomes can range significantly from $106,641 at the 10th percentile to $195,790 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the different specialties within the field and their respective demand. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments provide insight into how factors such as the prevalence of surgical practices versus primary care influence compensation levels. Salem's job market for physician assistants, shaped by the ongoing shift towards collaborative care models, recognizes the value of skill specialties, particularly in surgical settings.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,641 | $51.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $128,474 | $61.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $147,003 | $70.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $173,324 | $83.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $195,790 | $94.13 |
Median Salary Position
4.71% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
In Salem, NH, the physician assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $89,149 (2026 est.). At $147,003, the local median is 4.71% above the national median of $140,391.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salem: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Salem Physician Assistant Pay Compares
Salem median: $147,003/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $150,617 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $140,391 | +4.71% more |
Physician Assistants in Salem, NH earn a median of $147,003 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.71% higher than the national median of $140,391 and 2.40% below the New Hampshire state average of $150,617.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salem has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salem, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $147,003 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $137,002 — a 6.8% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$117,547
2025 BLS Actual
$142,279
2026 Current Est.
$147,003
2019–2027 Growth
+29.2%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $117,547 | Actual |
| 2020 | $120,824 | Actual |
| 2021 | $127,253 | Actual |
| 2022 | $131,944 | Actual |
| 2023 | $136,143 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,028 | Actual |
| 2025 | $142,279 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $147,003 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $151,883 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salem metropolitan area, the median physician assistant salary grew 21.0% from $117,547 (2019) to $142,279 (2025). At a 3.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $151,883 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,336 (29.21%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.32% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $106,641 – $128,474 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $128,474 – $147,003 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $147,003 – $173,324 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $173,324 – $195,790 |
PA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physician assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physician Assistant Job Market in Salem
The local job market for physician assistants in Salem is relatively tight, with only eight physician assistants employed in the area, thereby indicating a competitive landscape. The cost of living index at 107.3 points to a higher-than-average housing and living expense, which can affect take-home pay. Surgical specialty practices and hospital systems generally offer the highest salaries, with orthopedic and cardiothoracic surgery positions potentially commanding the best compensation packages. The pay variance can largely be attributed to the specialty type, first-assist case volume, and potential for RVU productivity bonuses. To maximize earning potential in Salem, focusing on surgical roles, while considering employed positions over 1099 contracts, could be a strategic approach for those looking to enhance their physician assistant pay in Salem NH.
More salary data for Salem, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $142,279 for physician assistantsin the Salem metropolitan area. A 3.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Salem is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.32%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physician assistants (SOC 29-1071).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov